A retainer agreement is a contract between you and the lawyer you hire. At Workplace Sage Legal, we require a signed retainer agreement before any legal work begins.
Retainer agreements are usually in writing to avoid misunderstandings. The agreement sets out the key terms that govern the lawyer–client relationship relating to the provision of legal services.
A typical retainer agreement includes (this list is not exhaustive):
- Who the client is
- Who the retained lawyer/law firm is
- The scope of legal services to be provided
- The lawyer’s obligations, including methods and frequency of communication
- The structure of legal fees (hourly, flat fee, or contingency, where applicable)
- How and when the agreement can be terminated, including the client’s right to withdraw at any time, for any reason
The purpose of a retainer agreement is to ensure that both parties clearly understand their rights, responsibilities, and expectations from the outset.
Types of Retainer Agreements
- Hourly fee retainers
- Flat-fee retainers
- Contingency fee retainers
- Hybrid retainers
At Workplace Sage Legal, we offer flexible retainer options to suit our clients’ needs.
Retainer Fee vs. Retainer Agreement
A retainer fee is an upfront deposit that the client pays into the law firm’s trust account to secure the lawyer’s time and expertise. It is an advance payment for future legal services and is refundable, subject to the work performed.
A retainer agreement, by contrast, is the written contract that defines the relationship and sets out the legal terms both parties agree to follow, such as the scope of work and the lawyer’s fees or hourly rate, lawyer and paralegals to be deployed on your matter.
Ask Questions
Before signing a retainer agreement, make sure you ask your lawyer any questions you may have about the terms.
